News Room
Redwood City Aims to Positively Connect with Youth on Bikes through Community-Based “Action, Create and Engage” (ACE) Pilot Program
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Redwood City, California — On September 12, the Redwood City City Council approved the “Action, Create and Engage” (ACE) Program for Transition Age Youth (12-24 years old), which was developed in partnership with Redwood City Together and the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL). The ACE program responds to community concerns about disruptive youth behavior in downtown Redwood City, and is a community-based pilot initiative that aims to foster positive relationships between community leaders, law enforcement, and the Bike Life movement youth in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.
“We want to ensure a safe and fun environment for all in our Downtown, while also supporting healthy and positive activities for our youth. The ACE Program will support youth development and empowerment, while also ensuring accountability for unsafe behavior. We are eager to get started,” said Melissa Stevenson Diaz, City Manager of Redwood City.
Beginning in May 2022, over 200 youth on bikes began gathering regularly in Downtown Redwood City, with community members, property owners, and businesses expressing concern about disruptive and unsafe behavior, including blocking sidewalks, interfering with traffic, property damage and use of illegal fireworks close to people. City staff immediately began working on a multi-faceted strategy centered in the City’s priorities related to children and youth, public safety, economic vitality, and ensuring a community for all.
“As a collective front, we will be able to support more transition-age youth and their families by linking them to needed job opportunities and social services, especially in underrepresented and underserved communities,” said Rafael Avendaño, Redwood City Together Executive Director. Ivan Martinez, Redwood City PAL Executive Director, shared the sentiment and said, “The ACE program epitomizes our mission to nurture the next generation of leaders in our community through fostering positive relationships between community leaders and law enforcement.”
The immediate action plan builds on community input received through the City’s 2022 People's Budget and the Redwood City/North Fair Oaks 2019-2024 Community Collaboration for Children’s Success Action Plan. PAL, in partnership with other community organizations, will offer after-school programs, bike events, entertainment activities, coaching and mentorships and events for transition age youth in Redwood City and in North Fair Oaks. The pilot program will also address youth crime, truancy and criminal disobedience in our community.
While developing the program and engaging with youth, the City contacted philanthropic organizations to secure funding. As a result of those efforts, the City is pleased to announce that The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has granted the City $230,000 in support of youth programming and activities in support of this plan.
“The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is thrilled to partner with the City of Redwood City, Redwood City Together, and the Redwood City Police Activities League on the ACE program. We know that youth are our future and we are thankful to have the opportunity to support additional programming to advance productive solutions,” said Andrea Jones, Director of Bay Area Giving, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
The City and its partners are seeking additional potential financial contributors to help fund the remaining balance of the pilot program; the estimated cost is $350,000. If interested in donating, please contact the City Manager’s Office at (650) 780-7300.
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About the City of Redwood City
The City of Redwood City is a San Francisco Bay Area community located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the technology-rich region extending from the San Francisco Peninsula to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Redwood City is the third largest city within the County of San Mateo, with 85,992 residents. The city enjoys an average of 255 sunny days a year, which it boasts via the city slogan: "Climate Best by Government Test.” Incorporated in 1867, Redwood City is home to the San Mateo County History Museum (located in the county's old courthouse) and the only active deep-water port within the south bay of San Francisco. The city's vibrant downtown, quickly becoming known as the entertainment hub of the San Francisco Peninsula, offers residents, visitors, and businesses a unique retail, entertainment, and restaurant experience.